The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are facing another significant shift in their communications team, with their chief communications officer departing after less than a year in the role. This marks the eleventh publicist to leave their employ in just five years, a period that began with their step back from royal duties and move to California in 2020.
Another High-Profile Departure
Meredith Maines, who began working for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in March 2025, has announced she will be pursuing a new opportunity in 2026. In a statement, Ms Maines expressed her "utmost gratitude and respect for the couple and the team, and the good they are doing in the world."
This exit is part of a broader pattern of staff turnover for the Sussexes' operations. Three communications officers stopped working for the couple this summer alone, including Charlie Gipson and Kyle Boulia. Ashley Hanson, their former global press secretary, stepped down a year ago to start her own consultancy.
Archewell Philanthropies Restructures
The departure coincides with reported redundancies at the couple's charitable organisation, Archewell Philanthropies. A spokesperson confirmed the entity is moving to a "fiscal sponsor operating model," which will result in some staff cuts, particularly in junior administrative roles.
Furthermore, the Sussexes have parted ways with the US-based PR firm Method Communications, ending a partnership announced just seven months ago. A spokesman for the Duke and Duchess stated that both Ms Maines and Method Communications have concluded their work with Archewell, adding that the couple is "grateful for their contributions."
What Happens Next for Sussex Communications?
It is understood that the couple are not actively seeking a direct replacement for Ms Maines. Instead, Liam Maguire, the UK and Europe director of communications, is expected to take the lead on their media strategy moving forward.
Ms Maines, a Stanford graduate with a background in venture capitalism, has previously held roles at Hulu, GOOP, and Google. Her future plans remain unclear. Notably, she was spotted in July speaking with senior aides to King Charles III outside a Mayfair private members' club, amid signs of a potential thaw in royal relations.
The series of high-level departures underscores the ongoing evolution of the Sussexes' professional apparatus since they established their independent working lives in the United States.
